GREAT BRAKRIVER

The tranquil village of Great Brak River is situated on the road from Mossel Bay to George and is a popular holiday resort. The beautiful, unspoilt beaches in the area, and the lagoon, offer safe swimming. The presence of Southern Right and other whales from May till November is one of the town's main attractions. The river that divides the village is rich in marine life while its wooded banks offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Follow the circular route through the village and experience the history and culture of years gone by.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

• THE ISLAND : Linked to the mainland by the original single lane-bridge. Well known for its timber holiday
  homes.
• GREAT BRAK RIVER MUSEUM & INFORMATION CENTRE.
  The Museum (old school house built in 1902) in Amy Searle Street represents the history of the village after the arrival of the Searle family in the late 1850's, the usage of water power through the past century and the local history of the Khoisan. The Information Centre is housed in the Museum.

We have brochures, maps as well as information on hiking routes, accommodation, adventure & eco tourism available.

Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00 - 16.00
Sat 9.30 - 12.00

Tel: (044)-6203338

Email : gbrtourism@gmail.com

• The Watson Shoe Factory : The reason for the town's existence.
• Searle Memorial Church and Searle Family Graveyard : Explore the rich heritage of the founders of this village.
• The biggest known Pepper Tree in South Africa (11,2 m in diameter)
• Wolwedans Dam : Enjoy the magnificent views and unique damwall.
• Restored Hydro Power Station ( Info Museum )

HISTORY / FOUNDED

The name of the land was "Wolwedans" with its origin at an occasion when a farmer went to slaughter an ox. A pack of hyenas smelt the blood of the slaughtered ox and followed the cart, dragging the meat from it. The farmer was terrified and described it as if the animals had danced behind the cart in the darkness. Hyenas were wrongly referred to as "Wolwe" and hence the name of the area.

ALTITUDE : 0 - 160 m above sea level

DAILY TEMPERATURE

Winter - Day : 24
Winter - Night : 7

Summer - Day : 26
Summer - Night : 14

RAINFALL:

mm per year : ± 400mm

Rainy months : Winter / Sept / Oct

TOWN SIZE: 32 km²

N.G. Kerk Groot-Brakrivier

Leraar: Paul Roodt Tel: 044 620 2210
Skriba: Rinél Freiboth Tel: (044) 620 2205

EDUCATION :
Primary Schools : 3
Vorentoe Primary School
Secondary Schools : 1

MOUNTAINS : Outeniqua Mountains

RIVERS :

• Great Brak River - through the village into sea
• Hartenbos River
• Little Brak River

DAMS : Wolwedans : In the Great Brak Heights . Water supply to Mossgas and greater Mossel Bay area.

BANKS : Nearest Bank will be in Hartenbos ( ABSA )

ATM:

BOB (2) - FNB
STANDARD BANK(1)
ABSA (2)

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS :

Art & Crafts route
Whale - festival - June / July
Groot Brak River Festival - 24/25/26 Nov 06
Venue: Pine Creek Holiday Resort

SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS : Triathlon - December

SPORT FACILITIES :

• Tennis
• Squash
• Bowling
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Aerobics
• Gholf

CONFERENCE FACILITIES :

De Dekke

EMERGENCY SERVICES:

• General Hospitals : None
• Private Hospitals : None
• Police Stations : 1
• Ambulance Services : None

POSTAL FACILITIES : 1 Post Office

LIBRARIES : 2

(Greenhaven)
(Ellen van Rensburg)

ADDITIONAL INFO

The town has a population of 8 000 and is mainly an Afrikaans Speaking community. The biggest employer is still the Watson Shoe factory although the tourism industry is a fast growing economic activity.